Mahalakshmi is a handloom Sambalpuri cotton saree woven as an original Sambalpuri cotton saree in deep maroon mercerized cotton, carrying lotus forms, jhoti chitra patterns, and Lakshmi pada across every fold of the drape. The motifs do not print or embroider — they are woven into the fabric itself, emerging from the threads.
The Craft Behind Mahalakshmi
This is an authentic Sambalpuri handloom saree made through the Bandha technique — a double ikat process known in Odisha as Bandhakala. Before a single thread meets the loom, both warp and weft threads are individually resist-dyed by hand. Each bundle is tied, dyed, untied, and re-tied across multiple dye baths so that when weaving begins, the motifs emerge simultaneously on both axes of the cloth. The precision required to align a Lakshmi yantra or lotus across warp and weft to within a thread's width takes years to acquire. Mahalakshmi was woven by Bhulia weavers of Odisha — the hereditary community who have held this GI certified Sambalpuri saree tradition across generations. The loom time for this cotton Bandha saree is 10 to 15 days.
Wearing Mahalakshmi
Mercerized cotton gives Mahalakshmi a slight sheen without weight. The fabric drapes cleanly and holds its pleats without stiffness, making it easier to carry through long rituals or full working days. As a Sambalpuri saree for puja, the maroon ground and Lakshmi pada motifs carry specific devotional resonance — jhoti chitra, the floor-art drawn to welcome Maa Lakshmi, is rendered here in thread rather than rice paste. As a Sambalpuri saree for wedding, the deep maroon and yantra geometry read with authority. As a Sambalpuri cotton saree for office, the 120-count mercerized weave breathes through the day without creasing heavily. The motifs are worn against the body as well as displayed in the pallu — the wearer carries the invocation.
Mahalakshmi is part of the Pasapali collection of handloom Sambalpuri sarees sourced directly from Bhulia weaver families in Odisha.
| Product Name | Mahalakshmi |
|---|---|
| Saree Type | Sambalpuri Bandha |
| Tradition | Sambalpuri Handloom (GI Certified) |
| Weave | Handloom |
| Technique | Bandha — Double Ikat (Bandhakala) |
| Material | Mercerized Cotton |
| Thread Count | Warp 120 / Weft 120 |
| Saree Length | 5.40 metres |
| Saree Breadth | 43 inches |
| Blouse | Yes, included |
| Primary Colour | Maroon |
| Secondary Colour | Maroon |
| Body Design | Lotus, jhoti chitra, Lakshmi pada |
| Border | Traditional Sambalpuri border |
| Pallu | Lakshmi yantra, Lakshmi foot (pada/paduka), lotus motif |
| Key Motifs | Lakshmi yantra, Lakshmi paduka, lotus, jhoti chitra |
| Woven By | Bhulia weavers, Odisha |
| Weave Time | 10–15 days |
| GI Tag | Sambalpuri Handloom |
| Certification | Government of India Handloom Mark |
| Ideal For | Puja, wedding, office, festive occasions |
Explore More Handloom Sarees
Mahalakshmi is part of Pasapali's collection of Sambalpuri Handloom sarees from Odisha. Read the story behind the brand and the weavers who make them.